Basketball Game Preview: Sumter Christian Bears vs. Emmanuel Christian Crusaders

Sumter Christian is 0-3 against Emmanuel Christian since January of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Sumter Christian Bears will head out to challenge the Emmanuel Christian Crusaders at 4:00 p.m. Neither of these teams found much success offensively their last time out, scoring well below their season average.

Sumter Christian is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game back in December of 2024. They were beaten by Victory Christian 39-12.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Christian ended up a good deal behind Calvary Christian on Tuesday and lost 33-17. The Crusaders have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Sumter Christian will need focus on slowing down Aubrey Hoffman, one of several Emmanuel Christian players who made an impact when they last played. She posted five points along with six boards and six steals. Hoffman has been hot for a while, having posted three or more steals the last ten times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Maddie Oliver, who put up four points in addition to six rebounds and four steals.

Even though they lost, Emmanuel Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive boards in five consecutive contests.

Emmanuel Christian's loss dropped their record down to 3-11. As for Sumter Christian, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.

Sumter Christian was dealt a bruising 40-12 loss at the hands of Emmanuel Christian in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Can Sumter Christian avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.